World War II Museum will observe Memorial Day

Monday is Memorial Day, devoted to those who have died in military service. Over the years, the holiday has become a welcome break for cookouts and beach trips. Such ordinary, peaceful celebrations are part of the way of life our soldiers died defending. But it’s appropriate to acknowledge those who gave their lives so we could experience those simple joys.

Scouts take in the heavy artillery, such as this German Flak 37 88mm dual purpose gun that could hit aircraft at about 25,000 feet, that is on display at the National World War II on Saturday, February 5, 2011. CHRIS GRANGER/THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

The National World War II Museum will offer families a chance to do just that Monday with a day of storytelling, music and observances in the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion, the cavernous entrance hall where the Higgins boat is on display..

Beginning at 9 a.m., visitors can meet veterans of World War II, living heroes who are willing to share their memories with new generations, said Lauren Handley, coordinator of educational programs at the museum.

“We’ll have tables and chairs set out for the public so they can interact with the veterans,” Handley said.

The Navy Band will perform at 10 a.m. There will be a commemorative ceremony at 10:30 a.m. And at 2:30 p.m., the Victory Belles will fill the hall with World War II-era patriotic songs in their unique three-part harmony, said Alan Raphael, marketing manager at the museum.

Do you have war heroes in your own family? From 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., and again from 1 to 2 p.m., you can get advice from the museum’s professional curators on how to preserve your relatives’ memories for future generations in the workshop called “Saving History: Preserving Your Family Story.”

“They’re doing a seminar on how to capture the oral history so it will be saved,” Raphael said.

Finally, at 3 p.m., the museum will join in honoring the six branches of the military service in a 10-minute observance of the National Moment of Remembrance passed by Congress in 2000. The resolution asks that Americans “voluntarily and informally observe” Memorial Day with a moment of silence.

All events in the pavilion are free and open to the public. The museum’s galleries are open by admission. Call 504.528.1944.

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Annette Sisco is community news editor. She can be reached at 504.826.3310 or at asisco@timespciayune.com.